Political Intrigue and Violence

Where it surfaces

• Book I: The Deified Julius

  The chapter details political maneuvering, civil war, and the violent suppression of opposition.

• Book II: The Deified Augustus

  The chapter details numerous instances of political maneuvering, betrayal, and violence, such as the proscriptions, the suspected poisoning of consuls, and the execution of political rivals.

• Book III: Tiberius

  The disposal of Agrippa, the suppression of dissent, and the execution of poets and historians demonstrate the violent political intrigue of Tiberius's reign.

• Book IV: Gaius Caligula

  The chapter is steeped in political violence: Germanicus's suspected poisoning by Tiberius and Piso, Caligula's systematic false accusations, auction sales, and executions, and the summary killing of Ptolemy.

• Book V: The Deified Claudius

  The conspiracy of Appius Silanus, the fall of Messalina, and Claudius's fear of assassination illustrate the violent politics of the court.

• Book VII: Galba—Otho—Vitellius

  The chapter details the plotting against Galba by Nymphidius Sabinus, Fonteius Capito, and Clodius Macer, as well as Vitellius's treacherous murders of rivals and associates.

• Otho

  Otho's rise involves elaborate plots, bribery, and murder, including the assassination of Galba and Piso, reflecting the brutal dynamics of imperial politics.

• Vitellius

  The chapter recounts the murder of Galba, the defeat of Otho, and Vitellius's purges of the Praetorian Guard, highlighting the violent political maneuvering of the period.

• Domitian

  Domitian's plots against his brother, executions of senators and philosophers, and use of torture highlight the violent political intrigue.

• Endnotes

  References to Domitian's charges, the assassination of emperors, and the use of violence in Roman politics are present in the notes.